This War Thunder beginner guide covers the basics new players most often get wrong: which nation to start with, which mode to queue for, how not to die to the first tank that sees you, and how to keep the grind from turning into a chore. Everything here is current for the “Sky Odyssey” major update and build 2.59.0.68 (October 15, 2026).
The game is free on Windows and Mac, so install it now and follow along. Play War Thunder free on PC & Mac.
Key Takeaways
- Start with the USA, Germany or the USSR: forgiving vehicles and full trees
- Play Arcade for your first few days, then move to Realistic Battles as soon as you’re comfortable
- Use the hangar X-ray view to learn where your ammo and crew sit
- Research Parts and FPE first on every tank, and keep a lineup of three or four vehicles at similar BR
- Don’t buy anything until you know which nation and battle rating you enjoy
Pick Your First Nation
Your first nation decides how painful your first month is. Three trees stand out for new players:
- USA: the M4A1 Sherman (BR 3.7) is a stabilized, comfortable all-rounder, and the M24 Chaffee (4.0 RB) teaches you to scout and flank
- Germany: the Pz.IV F2 (3.3) has a long 75 mm gun that rewards careful aiming, and the Pz.IV H (4.0) is a dependable step up
- USSR: the T-34 (1941) at 4.0 has sloped armor that bounces careless shots, and the KV-1 (ZiS-5) at 4.7 is a slow brick that teaches angling
All three also have good starter planes, so your research in air and ground grows together. For full rankings, see my War Thunder tier list.
Arcade, Realistic or Simulator?
Arcade Battles shows enemy markers, gives you a shell drop indicator and lets you respawn more freely. It’s great for learning maps and controls. Realistic Battles strips the markers away and uses spawn points, so you earn the right to bring a second vehicle or a plane. Simulator Battles puts you in first-person view only, and in aircraft it means full real controls.
My recommendation: a few days in Arcade, then switch to Realistic. RB teaches you the habits that matter at higher ranks, and many players find the pace less chaotic once they adjust.
Ground Battle Tips That Save Your Tank
Most new players die the same way: driving into the open, stopping broadside and getting one-shot from a bush they never saw. A few habits fix most of that.
- Angle your armor. Point a front corner at the threat, around 30 degrees off, so shells hit sloped plates instead of flat ones
- Learn ammo racks. Open the X-ray view in the hangar and check where your ammo sits. Carry less ammo than the maximum so the racks in the turret stay empty
- Use cover, then peek. Fire, reverse back behind a building or ridge, and pop out somewhere else
- Aim for the gunner and breech. On most WWII tanks, a hit just under or beside the gun mantlet takes out the crew that can shoot back
- Don’t chase kills alone. Push with teammates, and take caps when your flank is clear
How Research, Silver Lions and Crews Work
Every battle earns Research Points for the vehicle you used and for the next vehicle you chose to research. Silver Lions buy the vehicle once it’s unlocked, and pay for repairs and ammo after every match. Crews are tied to slots, not vehicles, and get better as they gain experience.
On a new tank, research Parts first so field repairs fix more damage, then FPE so you can put out fires. After that, take the better ammunition. On planes, go for engine and airframe upgrades before new weapons.
Keep three or four vehicles at a similar BR in your lineup. In Realistic you can spawn again after losing your first tank, which means more time playing and more rewards per match.
Grind Tips for Your First Month
- Do the daily tasks and log in every day. Login rewards add up, and the next major update plans an automatic login streak freeze
- Play the BR where you earn the most, not the highest one you’ve unlocked. Higher BRs cost more to repair
- Research the cheap Rank I and II vehicles in your nation even if you won’t use them. They give a stable lineup and a big pile of crew experience
- Try air battles between tank sessions. They earn research in the same nation and break up the routine
- Use Test Drive in the hangar before you spend Silver Lions on a vehicle
Should Beginners Buy Premium?
Not on day one. A Premium Account doubles Research Points and adds 50 to 100% more Silver Lions in Random Battles, depending on how you earn them. The Gaijin Store sells it at $7.49 for 20 days, $19.99 for 60 days and $39.99 for 180 days (checked October 16, 2026). It’s worth it once you’ve settled on a nation and play most days, because the bonus only pays off when you’re in battles.
A premium vehicle is a better first buy than long Premium time if you want to skip a slow stretch of a tree. Pick one at a BR you already enjoy, in the nation you play most. The tier list has my picks for good beginner premium value.
FAQ
What is the best nation for a War Thunder beginner?
The USA, Germany or the USSR. All three have forgiving low-rank tanks and planes and full research trees.
Should I start in Arcade or Realistic Battles?
Arcade for a few days to learn the controls and maps, then Realistic to build habits that matter at higher ranks.
How long does it take to reach top tier?
Many months of regular play without Premium. Most players have more fun taking their time at low and mid tier anyway.
Can I play War Thunder with mouse and keyboard?
Yes. Mouse aim makes planes easy to fly without a joystick, and tanks are built around mouse and keyboard.
Want the bigger picture first? Read my full War Thunder review, then use the War Thunder tier list to plan your first lineup. The Military Shooters section has more, and patch notes are on the official War Thunder website.
